Air Force ROTC

West Chester University students are eligible to participate in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) through an agreement with Saint Joseph’s University. All aerospace studies courses will be held on the Saint Joseph’s campus. Credits can be transferred to WCU and appear on the official transcript. The AFROTC program enables a college student to earn a commission as an Air Force officer while concurrently satisfying requirements for his or her baccalaureate degree.

Program

The Department of Aerospace Studies at Saint Joseph’s University offers three- and four-year curricula leading to a commission as a second lieutenant in the Air Force. In the four-year curriculum, a student takes the General Military Course (GMC) during the freshman and sophomore years, attends a four-week summer training program, and then takes the Professional Officer Course (POC) in the junior and senior years. A student is under no contractual obligation to the Air Force until entering the POC or accepting an Air Force scholarship. In the three-year curriculum, a student completes AER 101, 102, 201, and 202 during the sophomore year, and then enters the POC in the junior year. The subject matter of the freshman and sophomore years is developed from a historical perspective and focuses on the scope, structure, and history of military power with the emphasis on the development of air power and its relationship to current events. During the junior and senior years, the curriculum concentrates on the concepts and practices of leadership and management, as well as the role of national security forces in contemporary American society.

In addition to the academic portion of the curriculum, each student participates in a two-hour Leadership Laboratory (AER 251, 252, 351, or 352) each week. During this period the day-to-day skills and working environment of the Air Force are discussed and explained. The Leadership Lab utilizes a student organization designed for the practice of leadership and management techniques. The labs do not carry course credits and are registered as pass/fail only. Cadets must attend at least 80% of class sessions to receive a passing grade.

Air Force ROTC offers scholarships for two, three, and four years on a competitive basis to qualified applicants. All scholarships are applied to tuition and lab fees, and include a textbook allowance, plus a tax-free monthly stipend which varies from $300 to $500, depending on graduation date.

For further information on the program, scholarships, and career opportunities, contact AFROTC Det 750, Saint Joseph’s University, 5600 City Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19131-1399, 610-660-3190. Information is also available on the website at www.Det750.com/.

COURSES FOR AIR FORCE ROTC

Symbol: AER

101 Foundation U.S. Air Force I (1)

102 Foundation of U.S. Air Force II (1) Survey courses offered in the freshman year (101 in fall semester; 102 in spring semester), designed to introduce students to the United States Air Force and encourage participation in Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps. Featured topics include the overview of ROTC, special programs offered through ROTC, mission and organization of the Air Force, brief history of the Air Force, introduction to leadership and leadership-related issues, Air Force core values, officer opportunities, and an introduction to communication studies. Leadership Laboratory is mandatory for AFROTC cadets and complements this course by providing cadets with followership experiences.

201 Evolution USAF Aerospace Power I (2)

202 Evolution USAF Aerospace Power II (2) Courses offered in the sophomore year (201 in fall semester; 202 in spring semester) are designed to examine general aspects of air and space power from a historical perspective. These courses cover the period from the first balloons and dirigibles to the space-age systems of the global war on terror. Historical examples are provided to show the development of Air Force distinctive capabilities (previously referred to as core competencies) and missions (functions) to demonstrate the evolution of what has become today’s USAF air and space power. Furthermore, the course examines several fundamental truths associated with war in the third dimension, e.g., principles of war and tenets of air and space power.

251 Leadership Lab I (0) The Leadership Lab (LLAB) for the Initial Military Training (IMT) cadets is a recruiting and retention tool. The purpose of the IMT LLAB is threefold: First, LLAB provides new cadets with basic skills and knowledge needed to be a functional member of the cadet corps. Second, LLAB provides IMT cadets with information they can use to determine whether or not they wish to continue with the AFROTC program and subsequently pursue an Air Force commission. Third, LLAB provides IMT cadets with activities designed to build camaraderie and esprit de corps, as well as help them develop leadership, followership, and teamwork skills. Students enroll in the LLAB during the first year.

252 Leadership Lab II (0) The Field Training Preparation (FTP) program provides training to ensure every cadet is mentally and physically prepared for the rigorous field training environment. In coordination with AFROTC/DOT (field training staff), the FTP curriculum specifies a set of skills all cadets must learn prior to attending field training. Cadets enroll in the FTP during the second year.

301 Air Force Leadership Studies I (3)

302 Air Force Leadership Studies II (3) A study of leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, leadership ethics, and communication skills required of an Air Force junior officer. Case studies are used to examine Air Force leadership and management situations as a means of demonstrating and exercising practical application of the concepts being studied. A mandatory Leadership Laboratory complements this course by providing advanced leadership experiences in officer-type activities, giving students the opportunity to apply leadership and management principles of this course. PREREQ: Successful completion of Air Force field training.

351 Leadership Lab III (0) LLAB III provides intermediate cadet leaders the opportunity to further develop the leadership and followership skills learned at field training. Every cadet position should provide the intermediate cadet leaders the opportunity to sharpen their planning, organizational, and communication skills, as well as their ability to effectively use resources to accomplish a mission in a constructive learning environment. Cadets enroll in LLAB III during the junior year.

352 Leadership Lab IV (0) LLAB for senior cadet leaders (SCL) provides pre-commissioning cadets with additional opportunities to develop leadership and supervisory capabilities and prepares them for their first active duty assignment. Like the intermediate cadet leader development program, there will be ample opportunity to develop and receive feedback on those leadership skills senior cadets will be expected to possess when they arrive at their first duty station. The SCL LLAB program is also designed to provide prospective officers with basic active duty survival skills. Cadets enroll in the SCL during the senior year.

401 National Security Affairs I (3)

402 National Security Affairs II (3) These courses examine the national security process, regional studies, advanced leadership ethics, and Air Force doctrine. Special topics of interest focus on the military as a profession, officership, military justice, civilian control of the military, preparation for active duty, and current issues affecting military professionalism. Within this structure, continued emphasis is given to refining communication skills. PREREQ: Successful completion of Air Force field training.